Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae

07258 Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros (=Aglais), (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF1594 (ABH59.029)

Hvoyna, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 20th June 2014. 1 of 2
Hvoyna, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 20th June 2014. 1 of 2
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hvoyna, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 20th June 2014. 1 of 2
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019
Hvoyna, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 20th June 2014. 2 of 2.
Hvoyna, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 20th June 2014. 2 of 2.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Dragoman, 8th July 2014.
Dragoman, 8th July 2014.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Kokalyane, near Sofia, 13th July 2011
Kokalyane, near Sofia, 13th July 2011
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Arda valley, Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., 14th June 2013
Arda valley, Eastern Rhodopi Mtns., 14th June 2013
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
near Stara Kresna, 12th May 2014. On Wild Pear (Pyrus communis).
near Stara Kresna, 12th May 2014. On Wild Pear (Pyrus communis).
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
near Stara Kresna, 12th May 2014. On Wild Pear (Pyrus communis).
near Stara Kresna, 12th May 2014. On Wild Pear (Pyrus communis).
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
near Stara Kresna, 12th May 2014. On Wild Pear (Pyrus communis).
near Stara Kresna, 12th May 2014. On Wild Pear (Pyrus communis).
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Very widespread at lower altitudes but rarely seen in any numbers. In hot weather, in common with other related species, it can be found sitting on branches in the shade amongst the denser the branches of trees.

 

Easily confused with the very similar, but rarer, Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis xanthomelas) which seems to have made a come-back in Bulgaria in recent years. Can however be distinguished by several features. The ground colour of the latter species is usually a brighter orange and the pale costal patches on the forewing are white, especially the two nearest the apex. The forelegs are distinctly paler than in the Large Tortoiseshell (hence its vernacular name).

Overwinters as Overwinters as an adult.

Wingspan: M: 68-72mm, F: 72-75mm
Foodplant(s): elms (Ulmus spp.), Aspen (Populus tremula), poplars (Populus spp.), broadleaved trees
Flying: One generation, July-April (hibernates)
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Extinct

Habitat

Clearings and edges of mature woodland.

Regional Information

Very widespread at lower altitudes but rarely seen in any numbers.


Recorded in 54 (2.8%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.

Last recorded in June 2019

Recorded date range (Adult): 04 May to 15 July

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 12 May to 12 May

Similar Species
Petrohan, Western Stara Planina, 26th June 2017.
Petrohan, Western Stara Planina, 26th June 2017.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae

Extinct
Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Spiny
Colours:
Black, yellow, blue
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5